Gaming localization is a broad term that covers strategies, methods and steps that seek their arrival from a single definition. The idea of localizing a game to push it forward to be accepted in a particular state is a common ingredient that is always attached to games. As the video game industry has witnessed enormous success in the recent decade, experts have always categorized a portion of that to gaming localization,
But what is it and how does it work? Well, it’s time to find out.
Understanding Gaming Localization
Gaming localization is more or less the main ingredient that moves towards finding success while launching a game. Everyone, from developers to project managers and beyond, understands the importance of gaming localization and looks towards implementing it in every possible way. It is all about creating an authentic experience for a player regardless of where they are in the world.
While that does not only mean re-launching a game in the local language, it can also mean bringing forward a whole different version that sticks to the original and feels real for a player. Whether you are from the UK or USA, a particular game needs to adhere to your tastes and dislikes and only gaming localization can achieve that feat. One of the best examples of successful gaming localization is mobile slots.
Mobile slots are not only different when you move from one country to another, they also seem real to the players of that country. You will find slots in your local language gaming characters that speak the language and various other options that stay true to what you need. Hence, gaming localization is nothing but the process of adopting your game to a particular country or region.
Blending Well with the Local Culture
Many consider gaming localization as a step that is taken to translate a game’s language into the local one. While that is a part of the process, it is not the only ingredient that takes things forward. Gaming localization is more about venturing off into the local culture and helping a game blend with the subject. It is off to create a local appeal and will always do a fine job in bringing forward a game to the new market.
While a few definitions and principles may summarise localization, the process is not as easy as it sounds. You need to find a way to bring a region’s culture into the game and make it look authentic. Once you are able to pull it off, things will begin to shape up for you.
The Key Elements of Localization
Gaming localization cannot be done without considering the elements that drive it forward. These elements tend to shape the game and if localized well, can produce magic and help your game succeed.
- Technical elements and aspects
Technical elements like time, date and various aspects of measurement determine a game and localizing the same is quite important. It is bound to create an experience that is authentic and feels real for the players from a particular country or state. For example, gaming localization is quite famous in India and the best way to describe the same would be through Andar Bahar.
The game, apart from sharing a few similarities with Poker, is known to have originated in Bangalore and is now famous all around the country. Despite its popularity rising to the top, you will see changes in language, time and other related aspects as you play the game in different states. Be it south India, north, or the west,
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- The story and elements leading up to it
Games having a story, character, names and various other aspects is not something new as we look to lure in players with all that we have. Modern video games have all these elements and more, as they aim to provide an endless gaming experience that will keep you on the edge. And if concerning this experience is important, gaming localization needs to be involved.
Be it character names or places, the elements that form a story need to be localized as it offers a realistic setting that a player can get used to. They should be able to understand the tempo of the game and how it is starting to take shape in a place that is as real as fire. For example, games like ‘The Witcher” saw several changes, including a change in its main character’s name, when it’s Polish version came into existence.
- Marketing and localization
Once all the elements leading to the technical aspects and story are completed, the next process is to look into the elements of marketing and try to localise the same. On this front, marketing teams will have to conduct the right kind of research, examine the market and then bring out results that can be relied on. In this manner, the game will be presented well and people will begin to take notice of all that it has to offer.
It is not only about advertising but also about graphic design and every other aspect that is closely associated with the same. Whether it is a fantasy game or a real cash game, the process is to promote the same in a proper manner and help everyone understand what you are here to offer.
Top Benefits of Gaming Localization
Gaming localization does more than what one could imagine and the following benefits will help you understand the same.
- Helps to build a fanbase with the local community
Building a fanbase around a particular game is not easy and one of the ways to achieve the same is through localization. Every gaming manufacturer wants their games to be talked about around the world and for that purpose, one requires localization. If the process begins to click, other games from the same developer will also begin to be shown in the limelight.
- Generates more downloads and creates an impact
If the game is towards the liking of everyone, it is bound to generate more downloads and thus, will end up creating an impact. As everyone begins to download the same and make it all count, a positive word of mouth can generate an impact that will last for a long time.
- Helps to venture into new markets
It is not easy to venture into new markets, considering the competition that exists in one area and the reluctance of many to switch brands. However, gaming localization offers an escape route, one that is worth taking. You can use it to make your games blend with the local culture and complete the aspect of venturing into a new market.
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